Maliki: There is a desire of the Iraqi and U.S. sides to activate the Strategic Framework Agreement

Maliki: There is a desire of the Iraqi and U.S. sides to activate the Strategic Framework Agreement

21:20 17/10/2013

Follow-up - and babysit - Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, said the aim of his visit, which intends to be made ​​to the United States early next month is to discuss the strategic framework agreement, confirming the presence of a desire to activate this agreement from both sides. Maliki said in an interview for a number of media, on the sidelines of attending a mass marriage ceremony adopted by the Organization of the "promise" in the city of Karbala: "The main theme in the scheduled visit to Washington is to discuss bilateral relations, especially the strategic framework agreement between the two countries."
He added: "There is a desire from both sides to activate and implement this agreement in its various aspects, both with regard to the security aspect or the military or education or agriculture, noting that 'the visit will also include discussion of the overall security situation in the region and the challenges and the issue of terrorism and how to confront it."
He pointed out: "What is happening today in Iraq comes as a result of the storm in the region, especially in Syria, attributing the reason for the return to the resumption of bombings entry of terrorists from Syria into Iraq."
He explained: "The problem also lies in the fatwa that permits the owners of killings fatwas takfirist, pointing out that Iraq has the likes of those who appear on pretending platforms and satellite TV and radio stations."
Maliki confirmed that: "talking about near the outbreak of civil war in Iraq is not true, pointing out that 'Iraqis have tasted the bitterness of a little bit of civil war after the bombing of the Askari, therefore both parties refuse to fight so the war again." O, o


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Wonder if this agreement has to do with the rv?

Screwball wrote:Wonder if this agreement has to do with the rv?

imho it does, i would love to see them get this show on the road.am keeping my fingers crossed

[ltr]Maliki: my planned visit to Washington aimed to discuss the Strategic Framework Agreement[/ltr]

17-10-2013 | (Voice of Iraq) - [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] -  Alsumaria News / Karbala  Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, on Thursday, said the aim of his visit, which planned to be made to the United States early next month is to discuss the strategic framework agreement, confirming the presence of a desire to activate this agreement from both sides.  Maliki said in an interview for a number of media, including "Alsumaria News", on the sidelines of attending the ceremonial marriage collectively adopted the "promise" in the city of Karbala, said that "the main axis of the planned visit to Washington is to discuss bilateral relations, especially the strategic framework agreement between the two countries" .  Maliki said that "there is a desire from both sides to activate and implement this agreement in its various aspects, both with regard to the security aspect or the military or education or agriculture," noting that "the visit will also include discussion of the overall security situation in the region and the challenges and the issue of terrorism and how to confront it."  The White House announced earlier on Thursday (October 17, 2013), that the Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki will meet with U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington DC early next November. [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

I think this agreement is very important to us. Diamond pointed me to the full agreement today and what it said. Since the full agreement doesn't seem to be on this new site, I've decided to post it here for all of our review. :-)

Strategic Framework Agreement for a Relationship of Friendship 
and Cooperation between the United States of America and the 
Republic of Iraq


Preamble

The United States of America and the Republic 0f Iraq:

Affirming the genuine desire of the two countries to establish a long-
term relationship of cooperation and friendship, based on the principle of 
equality in sovereignty and the rights and principles that are enshrined in 
the United Nations Charter and their common interests; 

Recognizing the major and positive developments in Iraq that have taken 
place subsequent to April 9, 2003;; the courage of the Iraqi people in 
establishing a democratically elected government under a new 
constitution; and welcoming no later than December 31, 2008, the 
termination of the Chapter VII authorization for and mandate of the 
multinational forces in UNSCR 1790; noting that the situation in Iraq is 
fundamentally different than that which existed when the UN Security 
Council adopted Resolution 661 in 1990, and in particular that the threat 
to international peace and security posed by the Government of Iraq no
longer exists; and affirming in that regard that Iraq should return by 
December 31, 2008 to the legal and international standing that it enjoyed
prior to the issuance of UNSCR 661; Consistent with the Declaration of Principles for a Long-Term Relationship of Cooperation and Friendship Between the Republic of Iraq and the United States of America, which was signed on November 
26, 2007; 

Recognizing both countries’ desire to establish a long-term relationship, 
the need to support the success of the political process, reinforce 
national reconciliation Within the framework of a unified and federal 
Iraq, and to build a diversified and advanced economy that ensures the 
integration of Iraq into the international community; and 

Reaffirmation that such a long-term relationship in economic, diplomatic, 
cultural and security fields will contribute to the strengthening and 
development of democracy in Iraq, as well as ensuring that Iraq will 
assume full responsibility for its security, the safety of its people, and 
maintaining peace Within Iraq and among the countries of the region. 

Have agreed to the following: 

Section I: Principles of Cooperation 

This Agreement is based on a number of general principles to establish the course of the future relationship between the two countries as follows: 

1. A relationship of friendship and cooperation is based on mutual respect; 
recognized principles and norms of international law and fulfillment of 
international obligations; the principle of non-interference in internal affairs; 
and rejection of the use of violence to settle disputes. 

A strong Iraq capable of self-defense is essential for achieving stability ín the 
region. 

The temporary presence of U.S. forces in Iraq ís at the request and invitation 
of the sovereign Government of Iraq and with full respect for the sovereignty 
of Iraq. 

The United States shall not use Iraqi land, sea, and air as a launching or transit
point for attacks against other countries; nor seek or request permanent bases 
or a permanent military presence in Iraq, 

Section II: Political and Diplomatic Cooperation 

The Parties share a common understanding that their mutual efforts and cooperation on political and diplomatic issues shall improve and strengthen security and stability in Iraq and the region. In this regard, the United States shall ensure maximum efforts to work with and through the democratically elected Goverment of Iraq to: 

I. 

Support and strengthen lraq’s democracy and its democratic institutions as 
defined and established in the Iraqi Constitution, and in so doing, enhance
Iraq’s capability to protect these institutions against all internal and 
external threats. 

Support and enhance Iraq’s status in regional and international 
organizations and institutions so that it may play a positive and 
constructive role in the international community. 

Support the Government of Iraq in establishing positive relations with the 
states of the region, including on issues consequent to the actions of the 
former regime that continue to harm Iraq, based on mutual respect and the 
principles of non-interference and positive dialogue among states, and the 
peaceful resolution of disputes, Without the use of force or violence, in a 
manner that enhances the security and stability of the region and the 
prosperity of its peoples. 

Section III: Defense and Security Cooperation 

In order to strengthen security and stability in Iraq, and thereby contribute to 
international peace and stability, and to enhance the ability of the Republic of Iraq to deter all threats against its Sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, the Parties shall continue to foster close cooperation concerning defense and security 
arrangements without prejudice to Iraqi sovereignty over its land, sea, and air 
territory. Such security and defense cooperation shall be undertaken pursuant to the Agreement Between the United States of Amerìca and the Republic of Iraq on the Withdrawal of United States Forces from Iraq and the Organization of their 
Activites during their temporary presence in Iraq, 

Section IV: Cultural Cooperation 

The Parties share the conviction that connections between their citizens, forged 
through cultural exchanges, educational links and the exploration of their common 
archaeological heritage will forge strong, long lasting bonds of friendship and mutual respect. To that end, the Parties agree to cooperate to: 

l. Promote cultural and social exchanges and facilitate cultural activities, 
such as Citizens Exchanges, the Youth Exchange and Study Program, the 
Global Connections and Exchange (GCE) program, and the English 
Language Teaching and Learning program. 

2. Promote and facilitate cooperation and coordination in the field of higher
education and scientific research, as well as encouraging investment in 
education, including through the establishment of universities and 
affiliations between Iraqi and American social and academic institutions 
such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (US DNS) agricultural 
extension program. 

3. Strengthen the development of Iraq’s future leaders, through exchanges, 
training programs, and fellowships, such as the Fulbright program and the 
International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), in fields including 
science, engineering, medicine, information technology, 
telecommunications, public administration, and strategic planning. 

4. Strengthen and facilitate the application process for U.S visas consistent 
with U.S. laws and procedures, to enhance the participation of qualified 
Iraqi individuals in scientific, educational, and cultural activities. 

5. Promote Iraq’s efforts in the  of social welfare and human rights. 

6. Promote Iraqi efforts and contributions to international efforts to preserve 
Iraqi cultural heritage and protect archaeological antiquities, rehabilitate 
Iraqi museums, and assist Iraq in recovering and restoring its smuggled 
artifacts through projects such as the Future of Babylon Project, and 
measures taken pursuant to the U.S. Emergency Protection for Iraqi 
Cultural Antiquities Act of 2004. 

Section V: Economic and Energy Cooperation 


Building a prosperous, diversified, growing economy in Iraq, integrated in the global economic system, capable of meeting the essential service needs of the Iraqi people, as well as welcoming home Iraqi citizens currently dwelling outside of the country, will require unprecedented capital investment in reconstruction, the development of Iraq’s extraordinary natural and human resources, and the integration of Iraq into the international economy and its institutions. To that end the Parties agree to cooperate to: 

1.Support Iraq’s efforts to invest its resources towards economic development, sustainable development and investment in projects that improve the basic services for the Iraqi people. 

Maintain active bilateral dialogue on measures to increase lraq’s development, 
including through the Dialogue on Economic Cooperation (DEC) and, upon 
entry into force, the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement. 

Promote expansion of bilateral trade through the  Business Dialogue, 
as well as bilateral exchanges, such as trade promotion activities and access to 
Export-Import Bank programs. 

Support lraq’s further integration into regional and international financial and 
economic Communities and institutions, including membership in the World
Trade Organization and through continued Normal Trade Relations with the 
United States. 

Reinforce international efforts to develop the Iraqi economy and Iraqi efforts to reconstruct, rehabilitate, and maintain its economic infrastructure, including continuing cooperation with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. 

Urge all parties to abide by commitments made under the International 
Compact with Iraq with the goal of rehabilitating lraq’s economic institutions and increasing economic growth through the implementation of reforms that lay the foundation for private sector development and job creation. 

Facilitate the flow of direct investment into Iraq to contribute to the 
reconstruction and development of its economy. 

Promote Iraq’s development of the Iraqi electricity, oil, and gas sector, 
including the rehabilitation of vital facilities and institutions and strengthening 
and rehabilitating Iraqi capabilities. 

Work with the international community to help locate and reclaim illegally 
exported funds and properties of Saddam Hussein’s family and key members 
of his regime, as well as its smuggled archaeological artifacts and cultural 
heritage before and after April 9, 2003. 

10. Encourage the creation of a positive investment environment to modernize 
Iraq’s private industrial sector to enhance growth and expand industrial 
production including through encouraging networking with US. industrial 
institutions. 

11. Encourage development in the fields of air, land, and sea transportation as well as rehabilitation of Iraqi ports and enhancement of maritime trade between the 
Parties, including by facilitating cooperation with the U.S. Federal Highway 
Administration. 

12. Maintain an active dialogue on agricultural issues to help Iraq develop its 
domestic agricultural production and trade policies. 

13. Promote access to programs that increase farm, lim-1, and marketing 
productivity to generate higher incomes and expanded employment, building 
on successful programs by the USDA arid the USAID programs in 
agribusiness, agriculture extension, and policy engagement. 

14. Encourage increased Iraqi agricultural exports, including through policy 
engagement and encouraging education of Iraqi exporters on U.S. health and 
safety regulations. 

Section VI: Health and Environmental Cooperation 

In order to improve the health of the citizens of Iraq, as well as protect and improve the extraordinary natural environment of the historic Lands of the Two Rivers, the Parties agree to cooperate to: 

l. Support and strengthen Iraq’s efforts to build its health infrastructure and to 
strengthen health systems and networks. 

2. Support Iraq’s efforts to train health and medical cadres and staff. 

3. Maintain dialogue on health policy issues to support Iraq’s long-term 
development. Topics may include controlling the spread of infectious 
diseases, preventative and mental health, tertiary care, and increasing the 
efficiency of Iraq’s medicine procurement system. 

4. Encourage Iraqi and international investment in the health field, and facilitate 
specialized professional exchanges in order to promote the transfer of 
expertise and to help foster relationships between medical and health 
institutions building on existing programs with the US. Department of Health 
and Human Services, including its Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention. 

5. Encourage Iraqi efforts to Strengthen mechanisms for protecting, preserving, 
improving, and developing the Iraqi environment and encouraging regional 
and international environmental cooperation. 

Section VII: Information Technology and Communications Cooperation 

Communications are the lifeblood of economic growth in the twenty-first century, as well as the foundation for the enhancement of democracy and civil society. In order to improve access to information and promote the development of a modern and state of the art communications industry in Iraq, the Parties agree to cooperate to: 

1. Support the exchange of information and best practices in the fields of 
regulating telecommunications services and the development of information 
technology policies. 

2. Exchange views and practices relating to liberalizing information technologies 
and telecommunications services markets, and the strengthening of an 
independent regulator. 

3. Promote active Iraqi participation in the meetings and initiatives of the 
Internet Governance Forum, including its next global meetings. 

Section VIII: Law Enforcement and Judicial Cooperation 

The Parties agree to cooperate to: 

1. Support the further integration and security of the Iraqi criminal justice 
system, including police, courts, and prisons. 

2. Exchange views and best practices related to judicial capacity building and 
training= including on continuing professional development for judges, judicial 
investigators, judicial security personnel, and court administrative staff. 

3. Enhance law enforcement and judicial relationships to address corruption, and 
common transnational criminal threats, such as terrorism, trafficking in 
persons, organized crime, drugs, money laundering, smuggling of 
archaeological artifacts, and cyber crime. 

Section IX: Joint Committees 

1. The Parties shall establish a Higher Coordinating Committee (HCC) to monitor the overall implementation of the Agreement and develop the agreed upon objectives. The committee shall meet periodically and may include representatives from relevant departments and ministries. 

2. The Parties shall seek to establish additional Joint Coordination Committees 
(JCCS), as necessary, responsible for executing and overseeing this Agreement. The JCCS will report to the HCC and are to: 

a. Monitor implementation and consult regularly to promote the most effective 
implementation of this Agreement and to assist in dispute resolution as 
necessary; 

b. Propose new cooperation projects and carry out discussions and 
negotiations as necessary to reach an agreement about details of such 
cooperation; and 

c. Include other governmental departments and ministries for broader 
coordination from time to time, with meetings in Iraq and the United States, as 
appropriate. 

3. Disputes that may arise under this Agreement, if not resolved within the relevant J CC, and not amenable to resolution within the HCC, are to be settled through diplomatic channels. 

Section X: Implementing Agreements and Arrangements 

The Parties may enter into further agreements or arrangements as necessary and 
appropriate to implement this Agreement. 

Section XI: Final Provisions 

1. This Agreement shall enter into force on January 1, 2009, following an 
exchange of diplomatic notes confirming that the actions by the Parties 
necessary to bring the Agreement into force in accordance with the respective 
constitutional procedures in effect in both countries have been completed. 

2. This Agreement shall remain in force unless either Party provides written 
notice to the other of its intent to terminate this Agreement. The termination 
shall be effective one year after the date of such notification. 

3. This Agreement may be amended with the mutual mitten agreement of the 
Parties and in accordance with the constitutional procedures in effect in both 
countries. 

4. All cooperation under this Agreement shall be Subject to the laws and 
regulations of both countries.




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